What Bitcoin Did

Antoine Poinsot, a Bitcoin Core contributor and researcher at Chaincode Labs, shares his insights on the evolving dynamics of Bitcoin development. He delves into the contentious Core vs. Knots debate, shedding light on concerns around spam and the implications of the OP_RETURN policy change. Antoine discusses the potential risks of unreviewed Knots code, the challenges of UTXO bloat, and the balance between filtering spam and maintaining network resilience. This conversation navigates the delicate intersection of technical decisions and the future of Bitcoin.

Peter Dunworth, Director of a multi-family office and co-founder of The Bitcoin Adviser, shares insights on Bitcoin as a groundbreaking asset for generational wealth. He explores how even small amounts of BTC can create significant wealth over time and emphasizes Bitcoin's role in underpinning global collateral markets. Dunworth discusses the potential for Bitcoin bonds to reshape sovereign debt and predicts that coexistence with fiat will continue longer than expected. He also highlights how Wall Street's financialization of Bitcoin could benefit its adoption and integration.

Join Joe Carlasare, a commercial litigator and macro expert, Checkmate, an on-chain analyst, and Matthew Pines, director at the Bitcoin Policy Institute, as they dissect the shifting landscape of Bitcoin and macroeconomics. They explore the demise of the four-year cycle and how ETFs are reshaping market volatility. The trio discusses gold’s resurgence amid central bank purchases and the implications for fiscal dominance on Fed independence. With insights on AI's impact on productivity and inequality, this conversation is a must-listen for crypto enthusiasts!

Samson Mow, CEO of JAN3 and a passionate Bitcoin advocate, dives deep into the rift between Bitcoin Core and Knots. He discusses rising mistrust in Core development and the implications for governance and network integrity. Mow analyzes UTXO growth as a potential systemic risk, the challenges of mempool fragmentation, and the ongoing debate over Bitcoin's adaptability. He also shares insights on nation-state adoption, predicting accelerating momentum, especially in Latin America, and outlines the need for clearer guidelines on data storage on-chain.

Brandon Quittem, author of The Mycelium of Money and VP at Swan, dives into the Fourth Turning framework, discussing how historical generational cycles impact today's political chaos. He explains the loss of faith in institutions and the potential rise of Bitcoin as a stabilizing force amidst turmoil. The conversation touches on the dangers of political nihilism, the implications of social fragmentation, and the likelihood of conflict as crises unfold. Brandon offers a vision for a future where Bitcoin could reshape societal structures and mitigate financial anxiety for the youth.

Lawrence Lepard, an investment manager and author of The Big Print, dives deep into the impending risks of inflation and the challenges facing the dollar system. He argues that the Fed is caught in a cycle of money printing, which could lead to hyperinflation. Lepard discusses how America may be in a 'fourth turning' and highlights the surge in gold prices as a signal of shifting trust. He passionately makes the case for Bitcoin as an escape route, projecting it could reach $1 million amid ongoing monetary policy failures.

Pete Rizzo, a Bitcoin journalist and commentator, discusses the evolving landscape of Bitcoin culture and institutional adoption. He explores how Trump's executive orders have shaped a strategic Bitcoin reserve and the implications for institutions. Rizzo examines the shift from grassroots self-custody to institutional financialization, highlighting Michael Saylor's vision. He raises concerns about the viability of treasury companies in a bear market, questioning if they can truly outperform Bitcoin itself.

Freddie New, CEO of B-HODL and an advocate for Bitcoin policy in the UK, discusses the revolutionary potential of Bitcoin treasury companies. He highlights B-HODL’s innovative approach to financing, emphasizing the need for sustainable scaling without leverage. Freddie explores why institutions will soon have to include Bitcoin on their balance sheets and how Lightning Network operations can generate real revenue. He also warns about the risks treasury companies face in a bear market and the importance of having a strong Bitcoin voice in UK finance and politics.

James Lavish, co-managing partner of the Bitcoin Opportunity Fund, shares insights on the financial landscape. He discusses how rampant debt and global liquidity trends are priming Bitcoin for a major surge. The conversation covers the Federal Reserve's dilemma between inflation and recession, the impact of institutional investments, and why Bitcoin stands as a hedge against traditional financial systems. Lavish argues for Bitcoin's role as neutral, permissionless money in a world gripped by economic uncertainty.

Eric Yakes, author of "The 7th Property" and founder of Epoch, dives into his bold prediction that Bitcoin could skyrocket to $10 million. He discusses the cultural revolutions and institutional adoption fueling this growth. The conversation highlights how belief and narrative shape market dynamics more than fundamentals do. Yakes also explores what a Bitcoin-dominant world might entail, from shifts in time preference to new financial architectures, and the challenges posed by traditional banking versus emerging fintech solutions.